Friday, September 25, 2009

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Getting around to Van Breugel's A couple of months ago I wrote about three restaurants opening that I wanted to hit — Van Breugel's, DK Clubhouse and Olives, and as the weeks and months went by, DK Clubhouse and Olives were frequent stops, but Van Breugel's just couldn't quite fit into the agenda. Actually . . . it was because I was under threats of bodily harm by a friend not to go without her. So, surprise, surprise, she called up last week, for our August jaunt, and I demanded that we go to Van Breugel's. Finally, after months of wanting, I was going to dine at Van Breugel's. I almost danced a jig, because if there was one thing I knew, it was a healthier dining option with all of the meats prepared on the grill. In spite of the mixed reviews — one friend hated the mashed potatoes — which were actually smashed potatoes, and not whipped with butter and cream like she is accustomed to. I had to tell her that she had to have a more open mind when it comes to dining. Others just said it wasn't their cup of tea. But, I still wanted to go, because perusing the menu piqued my interest, and I don't allow others to form opinions for me. Besides, I have a more open mind, and palate when it comes to dining. The restaurant just has to deliver. So I hit Van Breugel's on Charlotte Street with Tonya T. and Tonya A. during their Friday happy hour, which I'd heard is actually a "jumping" scene. It turned out to be quite true. We got there early, and were greeted by the cigarette smoke wafting in the air, as the dozens of people jostled for a spot in the foyer or at the bar. Thankfully, when the waiter that greeted us found out we were dining, he took us to the second floor away from the hustle and bustle, of the loud happy hour crew getting their drink on and the cigarette smoke. My interest was piqued by the coconut curried conch chowder and spicy tomato soups, but I passed, opting for just an entrée. I ordered the Mahi mahi filet, with the house salad which came with caramelized pine nuts, crispy prosciutto and goat cheese on a bed of baby field greens with a raspberry vinaigrette. Tonya A. as is her usual modus operandi wherever we go, ordered salmon with the Caesar salad, while Tonya T. chose the chicken breast with the garden salad of mixed field greens, tomato, Bermuda onion and classic vinaigrette. Both Tonya A. and I ordered our fish cooked to a medium, and were taken aback when our waiter said to us that we were ordering fish and not a steak, and that we should have ordered our steaks moist and not medium. According to him, you order medium if you were ordering meat. n See Foodie on L11 I looked at him askance, and bluntly said I hope he would not be taking my order and heading into the kitchen to cook it, because he obviously did not have a clue. Suffice it to say, my Mahi mahi, and Tonya A's salmon were both placed before us well done. I took a stab at tasting my fish and it was surprisingly well-seasoned, but of course over-cooked and unpalatable. Tonya A. took one look at her overcooked salmon and immediately dumped it onto another plate. She did not even bother to taste it. We spoke to our server about the overcooked fish, which he took away, to replace. While we waited, we munched on our salads, and even took a bite of Tonya T'' chicken which was flavorful, and not overcooked as the fish were. Actually, it's pretty hard to mess up a salad, and I enjoyed my house salad, which was drizzled with a delicious raspberry vinaigrette. Unlike what the menu read, I found that the pine nuts were definitely not caramelized, and I had ordinary bacon, not prosciutto. But the salad was still pretty good, and a generous portion too. The new portions of fish were returned to the table before I finished my salad. I was happy to notice the moistness of both my Mahi mahi, and Tonya A's salmon. The Mahi mahi the second time up while moist, did not have the delicious flavor of the first and was on the bland side. I couldn't help but think that I couldn't win for losing during my initial visit to Van Breugel's. But, with hints of a good thing happening if it's gotten right, I can see myself returning to Van Breugel's. Maybe I'll try the coconut curried conch chowder or the spicy tomato soup next time. I would definitely order the house salad again with the fish, but I just pray that when I say medium, it's prepared medium . . . and that it's seasoned. Wednesday, August 26, 2009